Recommendation to Purchase a Scientific Computer
for Regional Air Quality Modeling and Analysis
South Coast Air Quality
Management District Board
Recommendation to Purchase a Scientific Computer
for Regional Air Quality Modeling and Analysis
At its December 9, 1995 meeting, the Board approved the release of a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the acquisition of a scientific computer. This new system will replace three obsolete Multiflow Trace computers, and as its main function will run the District's Urban Airshed Model (UAM) software. The UAM is an integral component of the District's strategic planning in that it allows staff to forecast rule impacts on air quality and to meet federal requirements for attainment demonstrations. The Multiflow Trace computers are hard pressed to keep up with the District's expanded modeling needs as these systems use seven-year-old technology. Moreover, since Multiflow Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 1992, service/support and replacement parts are difficult to locate. The sole remaining service provider, in fact, is located east of the Mississippi River. Newer technology will be more reliable, easier to maintain, less costly to operate, and allow models to run up to 20 times faster; this in turn will provide more timely decision making support under tight rule making schedules.
The RFP was publicly noticed and circulated to 40 firms in accordance with the District's Consultant Selection Policy and Procedures. By close of bidding on January 13, 1995, five proposals were received. These were reviewed by a three-member District evaluation panel consisting of representatives from Information Management, Planning and Policy, and Finance. Proposals were first scored based on technical criteria as listed in the RFP. Those proposals receiving 70 points or more were considered technically qualified and were then scored based on cost and on MBE//WBE/DVBE/Local Business designation. A summary of the evaluation ranking is attached along with a copy of the scoring sheet. The Evaluation Panel rated Mikon Computer System's bid of a Digital Computer AlphaServer 2100 4/275 the highest, based on its overall high rating in all categories.
Staff recommends that a bid be awarded to Mikon Computer Systems for an amount not to exceed $100,000. Sufficient funding is available in the current Fiscal Year (FY) 1994-95 Fixed Asset Account.
This recommendation was reviewed and approved by the Administrative Committee on March 23, 1995.
THEREFORE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BOARD
--Award the bid to Mikon Computer Systems;
--Authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with Mikon Computer
Systems in the amount not to exceed $100,000.
Respectfully,
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
BRW:VCM:RKV:ag
(a:Mikonbrd.doc)